Liao Ning , chief designer of Gulangyu World Cultural Heritage Sites Application Project, and counselor Peng Yiwan have called for the restoration of old buildings on Gulangyu Island.

Old buildings on Gulangyu Island have been severely damaged in recent years with the development of tourism, he said.

In order to attract tourists, stores on Gulangyu Island pursue new appearances and decorations, which are not consistent with the styles of old Gulangyu buildings. Some family hotels, catering to young people, even draw on the walls. Liao Ning remarked, “The designs of stores on Gulangyu Island lack planning. We need to protect the special Southern Fujian style and European style of the old buildings and preserve the cultural atmosphere.”

Addressing the severely damaged buildings, Peng Yiwan said, “We must restore the constructions to their original looks. Do not replace the old style buildings with modern materials. The storeowners and residents should think about long-term development rather than momentary interests.”